FinanceOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Insurance Underwriter Salary in Chicago
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$155,635/yr
Typical range: $130,991 – $173,262
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Insurance Underwriter salary by experience level in Chicago
Insurance Underwriter Salary Progression in Chicago
From entry-level through staff — based on BLS OEWS percentile data
| Experience Level | Years | Percentile | Annual Salary | Monthly | vs Entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry | 0 yrs | 0 yrs | $59,564 | $4,964 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $76,857 | $6,405 | +29% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $89,666 | $7,472 | +51% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $107,984 | $8,999 | +81% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $155,635 | $12,970 | +161% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $211,740 | $17,645 | +255% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $225,767 | $18,814 | +279% |
Current Salary
$155,635
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $75/hr
Next Level Target
$211,740
Principal · 14
+$56Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
14/100
High Risk
+5% demand · Moderate AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Insurance Underwriter salary in Chicago, IL?
Staff / Lead Insurance Underwriters in Chicago, IL earn approximately $156K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Insurance Underwriter make per hour in Chicago, IL?
Based on $156K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $75/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Insurance Underwriter in Chicago, IL?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Insurance Underwriter in Chicago, IL earns $131K–$173K/yr.